Strengthening recreation, health, and community support systems for residents at every stage of life.
The Endowment is awarding seven grants totaling $15.8 million to expand recreation opportunities, strengthen health and developmental services, and help residents live safely and independently across New Hanover County.
Four grants totaling $13.5 million to improve and expand recreation facilities, including two that augment public infrastructure in partnership with the Towns of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Three grants totaling $2.3 million strengthen preventive care and early intervention across the lifespan: in early childhood, in community health care, and in residents’ homes.
“These grants reflect our commitment to invest across New Hanover County and across generations,” said Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO of The Endowment. “Whether it’s a child learning to swim, a family gathering at the beach, a patient getting care close to home, or an older adult staying safely in their own home, we’re helping our partners strengthen the places, services and opportunities people rely on throughout their lives.”
Investing in Recreation Across New Hanover County
Early findings from The Endowment’s countywide Recreational Opportunities Assessment, to be completed this fall, are helping inform four recreation investments.
In Carolina Beach, a $3.5 million grant will supplement the Town’s investment in the Carolina Beach Coastal Park and Event Stage. The Town is purchasing land near the Boardwalk for a permanent public gathering space, and The Endowment’s funding will help advance plans for green space, outdoor recreation, family-friendly amenities, and a stage for entertainment and educational programs. Nearby parking and a connection to Wave Transit will help residents from across New Hanover County reach the park.
In Wrightsville Beach, a $1.5 million grant will supplement the Town’s investment in the first phase of improvements to the John T. Nesbitt Loop. The project will help maintain a walking route during the N.C. Department of Transportation’s three-year bridge replacement project and support planning and design for a wider, fully accessible Loop.
While the broader recreation assessment is underway, The Endowment’s investments are timely opportunities, where acting now aligns with project urgency and readiness, and funding outlook. “These projects show what’s possible when towns and community partners build on investments already underway,” said David Stegall, Vice President of Programs and Grants. “By adding to public funding, The Endowment is helping expand and accelerate access to some of our community’s most treasured spaces, so residents can enjoy and stay connected to them for years to come.”
Two grants will expand and protect access to indoor swimming in New Hanover County. One adds pool capacity, and the other preserves a facility residents use year-round. At the Nir Family YMCA, The Endowment grant will work alongside a transformational investment from the Nir Family, to add a new 50-meter pool to the YMCA’s existing aquatics facilities. The added capacity means more swim lessons, water safety programs, water exercise classes, and competitive swimming, without crowding out the programs already there. It will also help expand Schools in Pools, which aims to reach all 26 county elementary schools and more than 2,000 second graders each year.
Renovations to the YWCA Lower Cape Fear Aquatics Center will make its pool safer, more accessible, and reliably open year-round. The work protects one of the area’s only four indoor aquatics facilities for the county’s high school swim teams, older adults, residents with disabilities, and YWCA preschoolers learning water safety who depend on it.
“Projects like these put The Endowment’s Community Development strategy into action by strengthening and expanding access to existing high-quality recreation spaces that promote community well-being and contribute to a vibrant local economy,” said Terri Burhans, Senior Network Officer, Community Development. “They also create opportunities to improve connections to these spaces and support the health and well-being of residents through recreation and community programs.”
Supporting Residents Earlier
Three grants will help residents access support earlier and in places they already use. At the Child Development Center, funding will support preschoolers with developmental, behavioral, and medical needs. At MedNorth Health Center, the only Federally Qualified Health Center in New Hanover County, the grant will expand access to health services under one roof. A grant to Welcome Home Angel will help the organization establish a permanent location for services that include home modifications and clinical support for children and older adults.
“These investments reflect The Endowment’s commitment to supporting children’s development, strengthening access to health and community services, and helping residents live safely and independently in their homes,” said Leigh Quarles, Senior Network Officer, Social and Health Equity.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County. For more about The Endowment and to stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities, visit www.theendowment.org.
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Grant Awards
YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina: $6,500,000
To support the development of a 50-meter indoor aquatics center at the Nir Family YMCA in NHC to significantly expand the community’s access to aquatic recreation, water safety, wellness, competitive swimming, and community programming.
YWCA Lower Cape Fear: $2,000,000
To support renovations and infrastructure improvements at the YWCA Aquatics Center including pool resurfacing, deck restoration, safety and accessibility enhancements, and modernization of community spaces.
Town of Carolina Beach: $3,500,000 (two years)
To support the development of Carolina Beach Coastal Park & Event Stage and create a year-round oceanfront civic space including a professional performance stage, amphitheater, open lawns, accessible pathways, emergency access, stormwater improvements, and connections to the Boardwalk, beach, and commercial district.
Town of Wrightsville Beach — John T. Nesbitt Loop Improvement Project, Phase I: ($1,500,000)
To support Phase I of the John Nesbitt Loop Expansion project to improve accessibility, functionality, and amenities associated with the most popular trail in NHC.
Child Development Center: $800,000 (two years)
To support an early childhood developmental program including a behavioral and mental health initiative providing assessments, individualized interventions, classroom consultations, direct child support, staff coaching, family consultation, data collection, coordination with community providers, and a research-based social-emotional curriculum.
MedNorth Health Center: $1,271,095
To support a one-stop shop center to deliver coordinated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and ancillary services that close care gaps, advance health equity, and strengthen the overall well-being of the population served.
Welcome Home Angel — Pathway Promise Capital Campaign: $247,500
To provide down payment assistance for the acquisition of a permanent home for Welcome Home Angel.